Fun for Everyone in Mentor

Located 25 miles northeast of Cleveland, Ohio, the City of Mentor provides opportunities to connect with the beauty of nature and explore the home of a U.S. president. Here you’ll also find outstanding shopping, dining, recreational activities, events and more in the largest city in Lake County.

History

Tour the James A. Garfield National Historic Site and learn about the life of the 20th president of the United States. James and Lucretia Garfield first purchased this home in 1876, where Garfield would later campaign for President from the iconic front porch in 1880. Stop in at the visitor center to walk through interpretive exhibits, view a film on President Garfield’s life in the theater and collect passport stamps, books and brochures. Here you can sign up for a guided, wheelchair accessible tour of the multi-level house. If you don’t have time for a guided tour, virtual self-guided tours are also available on your mobile device. Learn about Garfield’s life or about the first “front porch” presidential campaign, where Garfield greeted thousands of people outside his home.

Just 3 miles away, you’ll find Kirtland, Ohio, brimming with history. Take a tour of the Kirtland Temple, a National Historic Landmark where visitors can pray, worship and learn about the history of the first Latter Day Saints (LDS) temple, which was dedicated in 1836. Historic Kirtland includes six historic structures and a visitors’ center. Discover the experiences of some of the early members of The Church of Latter-Day Saints, who settled in Kirtland in the 1830s, in the exhibits in the Johnson Inn, or walk through the structures, including a schoolhouse, ashery, sawmill and more, on a guided tour around the grounds.

Nature

Looking for a relaxing day at the beach? Headlands Beach State Park offers opportunities for sunbathing and swimming in designated areas at this 35-acre Lake Erie beach. Pack a picnic to enjoy throughout the park or at the picnic area complete with tables and grills. A reservable shelter house also accommodates 40 people with electrical access, a prep table, picnic tables and two charcoal grills. After lunch, lace up your shoes to hike the park trails, which includes 1.5 miles of the Buckeye Trail, the only long-distance trail entirely in Ohio. Anglers can fish for walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass and steelhead at the east end of the park’s federal breakwall (Ohio fishing regulations apply), while those with sharp eyes can look for beach glass. Observe nesting bald eagles or the monarch butterfly migration, or delight in a breathtaking sunset view of Lake Erie.

Adjacent to the state park, you’ll find the Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve, the last dunes of their kind in the state due to the development along Lake Erie’s shores. Observe specialized plants and animals found here that are able to live in an environment too hostile for many other organisms. Explore the preserve via the walking paths or hiking trails, a portion of which is wheelchair accessible.

Also in Kirtland, visit the Holden Arboretum to bask in beautiful gardens, meadows, lakes and trails. Behold nature and art together through the arboretum’s exhibits, take in sweeping views from the 120-foot Kalberer Emergent Tower, attend lecture series for continuing education or kick back to live music during Concerts in the Forest. Wander through the many lovely gardens, including the butterfly garden and wildflower garden, which hosts Ohio’s native plants; stroll along the Murch Canopy Walk or play in Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods. For those inclined to stay indoors, the Corning Library is the perfect place to browse and read books while delighting in the arboretum’s scenery.

Shopping

With over 120 retailers, the Great Lakes Mall is the premier shopping destination in Mentor. Stock up on items from popular brands like Bath & Body Works, Dick’s Sporting Goods and JCPenney and support locally owned businesses housed in the mall. If you’ve worked up an appetite during your shopping spree, there are a plethora of dining options to choose from. Savor craft barbecue at The Brew Kettle or hibachi and sushi at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse. Indulge in a sweet treat, the iconic pizookie, after lunch at BJ’s Brewhouse, offering burgers, pizza and more. If you’re craving tacos and Mexican fare, try El Rodeo or Condado Tacos, which are both members on the Lake County Taco Trail. Enjoy a movie on date night at Atlas Cinemas or bring the entire crew for arcade games, bowling and more at the nearby Rollhouse Bowling, Arcade & Escape Rooms. From cosmic bowling and games to themed escape rooms and made fresh-to-order sliders, appetizers and more, The Rollhouse will make any night out a perfect strike.

Visiting in the winter months? Are you looking for things to do indoors while visiting Mentor, Ohio? Be sure to visit the Mentor Ice Arena, which welcomes skaters looking to chill out year-round. Check the online calendar for public skating times or register for one of the dozens of programs through the Mentor Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities Department. If your child dreams of becoming a professional ice skater or hockey player — or just wants to get out on the ice — sign up for the Learn to Skate USA program, which offers classes to children 3 years and older for ice hockey, competitive skating and synchronized skating, as well as private lessons. One of the most popular programs is the After School Bus program, where students are picked up from school at dismissal time and bused to the arena for an hour and a half of skate time. Event planners can also take advantage by hosting a tournament or party at the arena.